September 2003

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) reports that RV wholesale shipments in September were at 26,900 units, the same as this month last year. However, this represented an annualized rate of more than 320,000 units and brought year-to-date totals to 246,200 units, up 1.7% over the same period one year ago.

Shipments have remained strong in the second half of this year and are now poised to eclipse 300,000 units for the fourth time in five years.

Importantly, retail sales of all RVs have fared better as well, rising for each vehicle category except folding camping trailers in the September survey. These readings confirm dealer inventories are slightly less than what they were this time last year.

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The Index of Consumer Sentiment, as measured by the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center, slipped lower in the September survey as consumer concern about job losses and higher gasoline prices grew. Although small, the September decline in overall consumer sentiment signals a temporary end to recent increases in the index.

“Overall, consumers expect the expansion to continue at a healthy pace”, said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. “However, as job prospect concerns linger, unemployment remains the single most important problem for the economy.”

  Towable RVs

Shipments to retailers of all towable RVs were at 21,200 units in September, equal to the totals for this same month one year ago. Conventional and fifth-wheel travel trailers improved in September while folding camping trailers and truck camper shipments declined compared to last year.

Through the first nine months this year, shipments of all towables were at 200,400 units, up 2.2% compared to this same period last year. A total of 115,300 conventional travel trailers have been reported so far this year, an improvement of 13% over a very strong 2002. 

Motorhomes

Motorhome shipments of 5,700 units were reported in September, the same total as reported in September 2002. Type A motorhome shipments were at 3,800 units this month, up 2.7% over this same month last year; while type C motorhome shipments were even and type B motorhome shipments were slightly less. Year to date, all motorhome shipments have totaled 45,800 units, off just 300 units from the first nine months last year. Shipments of diesel chassis have been especially strong and were reported in nearly half of all type A shipments this month, the highest ratio yet recorded. Year to date, nearly 13,000 units of diesel rails now represent 42.5% of all type A motorhome shipments.

  Conversion Vehicles

Shipments to retailers of all conversion vehicles totaled 5,000 units this month, off 19.4% from this same month last year. Although down 19% this month, van conversions remain the group’s largest vehicle category with two-thirds of all conversions. Totals, year to date, have declined steadily this year with shipments for the category of 45,600 units through the first nine months, off 12.5% from this same period one year ago. RVIA

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Total RV Shipments 1990-2003
New - Only Recreation Vehicles